Special VW Golf GTI 35 revealed

Volkswagen is celebrating 35 years of the Golf GTI with this special edition version of its iconic hot hatch.

Like the commemorative VW Golf GTI Edition 30 five years before it, the VW Golf GTI Edition 35 gets more power than the standard car it’s based on, plus distinct styling touches and an extra special interior. It will be revealed at VW Group’s tuning festival at Worthersee, Austria in early June.

The GTI 35 produces 25bhp more than the standard GTI hatch, taking power from its turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine to 232bhp. That’s still some way short of the 266bhp produced by the Golf R, however.

There is no word on performance upgrades, but expect an improvement on the standard GTI’s 0-62mph time of 6.9sec.

The biggest visual difference for the GTI Edition 35 is a revised front bumper to give the car a wider, lower, more purposeful stance. Other tweaks include a new alloy wheel design, plus red painted brake callipers and 35 badges on the door sills.

Inside, the GTI Edition 35 gets part-leather bucket seats complete with 35 badging and the GTI’s golf ball gearstick, a feature of recent special edition GTIs that pay homage to the original.

VW hasn’t mentioned any details of any suspension or other mechanical upgrades, except for the boost in power. But the Edition 30 did receive lower suspension, so it is likely the Edition 35 will receive similar tweaks.

VW UK has confirmed it will be taking the car. It is likely to be offered in both three- and five-door guises and with manual and DSG transmission options.

It will cost 30,425 euro (£26,627) in Germany, a 3150 euro (£2755) over a standard three-door GTI manual. A similar hike in the UK would price it at £27,815. UK deliveries will be towards the end of 2011.